Dopamine Roles in the Brain – Mood, Focus & Goal-Setting

Dopamine is well-known as a brain chemical involved in feelings of pleasure, motivation, mental focus and energy. It is involved in the brain’s reward signalling pathways, executive function, sex drive, addiction, movement and more.

Low dopamine levels can negative affect mental function, your state of mind, energy levels as well as having a number of secondary physical effects. What can you do to naturally raise dopamine levels and what are some of the other roles of this neurotransmitter?

Dopamine Biosynthesis

Dopamine is a natural compound with the chemical formula C8H11NO2. It is produced from L-DOPA inside the brain’s substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area (VTA).

L-DOPA is produced via the conversion of a nonessential amino acid called tyrosine. Tyrosine is produced via the conversion of an essential amino acid called phenylalanine. We cannot make phenylalanine within the body, so it must be gained from food sources in the diet.

Dopamine serves multiple roles itself, and is also used as the chemical precursor for biosynthesizing other catecholamine neurotransmitters like noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and adrenaline (epinephrine).

The VTA is located close to the center of the midbrain (mesencephalon). Dopamine produced here can travel two primary pathways: mesolimbic and mesocortical.

Dopamine may travel the mesolimbic pathway to affect functions of the limbic system. The limbic system is a complex system of neurons that are located along the edge of the cortex.

The limbic system is important for modulating pleasure and reward experiences. It drives basic feelings of hunger, dominance and lust.

Dopamine that travels the mesocortical pathway affects the functioning of the dorsolateral frontal cortex. This brain area is associated with organized thought, planning motivation and intentional effort to achieve goals.

Dopamine is also produced inside the pars reticulum and pars compacta of the substantia nigra; a dark-pigmented area of the mesencephalon. From here, dopamine travels the nigrostriatal pathway to a set of neuronal structures called the basal ganglia.

Nerves from the basal ganglia reach throughout areas of the brain including the posterior forebrain (diencephalon), anterior forebrain (telencephalon) and midbrain.

The caudate nucleus and putamen of the basal ganglia use dopamine to control motor movement coordination. When excessive neuronal death occurs in these structures, Parkinson’s disease onsets.

Dopamine is also involved in the tuberoinfundibular pathway, where it exerts effects on the the pituitary gland and hippocampus. This dopamine pathway regulates the production of a hormone called prolactin. Prolactin modulates lactation (milk production) in new mothers.

Raising Dopamine Levels Naturally

There are also ways to raise dopamine levels in the brain naturally. Research shows that dopamine availability can be increased significantly and quickly via proper food choices.

Natural supplements including L-tyrosine and Mucuna pruriens extracts also increase dopamine, but may not be appropriate for everyone.

Daily exercise helps to elevate and maintain dopamine concentrations in the brain. Likewise, setting goals and then intentionally directing effort to pursue them naturally raises dopamine. Meditation, laughter, sex and yoga also may be very helpful.

In general, foods low in saturated fat and high in protein work well to increase dopamine.

Dopamine biosynthesis also requires certain precursors and cofactors, like vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Many people use a multivitamin and multimineral supplement to enhance dopamine production.

Dopamine Supplements

The best dietary supplements for increasing dopamine are Phenylalanine, L-tyrosine and Mucuna pruriens seed extract. As stated earlier, L-tyrosine is converted into L-DOPA, the immediate precursor of dopamine.

WHAT IS IT: Dopamine, or Hydroxytyramine, is a compound produced in the body that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain and central nervous system. It is synthesized in the body from the precursor L-Dopa which is made in the brain and kidneys. It is a precursor of other neurotransmitters including Epinephrine and Norepinephrine.

HOW IT WORKS: In the brain, Dopamine acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter that is primarily involved in mediating desire, motivation, and reward-motivated behaviors. It also is involved in motor control and the release of various hormones. Dopamine acts outside the central nervous system as a local chemical messenger involved in gastrointestinal motility and vasodilation.

WHAT IT AFFECTS: Dopamine is primarily involved in movement, motivation, and memory. Low Dopamine levels have been associated with lack of motivation, depression, inability to experience pleasure, fatigue, mood swings, addictive behaviors, memory loss, and forgetfulness.

SUPPLEMENTS USED: Dopamine precursors are used to increase levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain. Other supplements may work by boosting activity at dopamine receptors or promoting the synthesis of this chemical messenger.

L-TYROSINE: L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that is a precursor for Dopamine. It is used to increase Dopamine levels by providing more raw materials necessary for its synthesis.

Dosage: 500-2000 mg per day, 2-3 times per day.

Side Effects: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Nervousness.

MUCUNA PRURIENS: Mucuna pruriens has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years to increase Dopamine. It contains L-Dopa which is used to synthesize Dopamine.

Dosage: 500-1000 mg per day.

Side Effects: Bloating, Nausea, Vomiting, Headache, Sleeplessness.

RHODIOLA ROSEA: Rhodiola rosea extract works in the body by modulating the enzyme monoamine oxidase. This enzyme metabolizes Dopamine. When it is inhibited, Dopamine synthesis increases.

Privacy Policy. SitemapDisclaimer: None of the statements made on this website have been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and supplements mentioned on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, alleviate or prevent any diseases. All articles on this website are the opinions of their respective authors who do not claim or profess to be medical professionals providing medical advice. This website is strictly for the purpose of providing opinions of the author. You should consult with your doctor or another qualified health care professional before you start taking any dietary supplements or engage in mental health programs. This website is supported by different affiliates and we receive a paid commission on certain products from our advertisers. Any and all trademarks, logos brand names and service marks displayed on this website are the registered or unregistered Trademarks of their respective owners. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.